Why every surfer should know about bodyboarding

This week's Word of the Week is SPONGE. Yep, it's surf slang—though the sponge itself isn't exactly a surfboard. We're diving into the wild, wave-riding world of boogie boarding (a.k.a. bodyboarding). From the ancient Hawaiian paipo boards to Tom Morey's revolutionary invention on a beach in Kona, you'll learn how this soft rectangle of foam became a gateway to surfing—and in some cases, a lifelong obsession. We'll cover the evolution from fun-for-all foamies to the hardcore barrels of Pipeline, the gear you need, and why every beginner surfer should maybe have started here. El rollos, spinners, dropknee… the sponge deserves some respect. Come find out why.